The Constitutional Court, South Africa’s highest court has dismissed the application of the former president Jacob Zuma to repeal his 15-month jail sentence for contempt of court.
- In a major setback, to the 79-year-old -former President and veteran from the ruling African National Congress, the court upheld its earlier ruling in June that Mr. Zuma should go to prison for failing to testify at a commission of inquiry into graft during his nine-year rule.
The Constitutional Court, South Africa’s highest court has dismissed the application of the former president Jacob Zuma to repeal his 15-month jail sentence for contempt of court. In a major setback, to the 79-year-old -former President and veteran from the ruling African National Congress, the court upheld its earlier ruling in June that Mr. Zuma should go to prison for failing to testify at a commission of inquiry into graft during his nine-year rule. The pronouncement is widely acclaimed as the testimony of post-apartheid South Africa’s ability to enforce rule of law, particularly against the powerful.
The former President was jailed in July but has since been granted parole on medical grounds. Zuma, who is currently recuperating in hospital after surgery pleaded with the court in July to revoke its sentence arguing it was excessive, and that jail would endanger his health and life. A majority of seven judges rejected his plea and upheld Mr. Zuma’s sentence.
Zuma’s jailing on July 7, led to violent riots, looting, and vandalism in South Africa, costing heavy loss to lives and businesses.
